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AFDW contributes to AFAF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Joint Base Andrews, Md. --  Air Force District of Washington and its subordinate units kick-off the Air Force Assistance Fund 2012 campaign March 12 through April 20 with a goal to raise more than $79,890.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign provides an opportunity to give back to our fellow Airmen and their families," said Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew, AFDW commander.

The AFAF was established as a venue to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that support Air Force families in need, including active duty, Reserve, Guard and their dependents, retirees and surviving spouses.
 
"Active Duty members, Reservists, Guardsmen, retirees, and civilians can donate to any of the four organizations under the AFAF umbrella," McDew said. "The Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village, and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provide our Air Force families with aid during emergencies, educational support, and a secure retirement home for Air Force widows or widowers in need of financial assistance."

The Air Force Aid Society has supported the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring education assistance programs and offering an array of base community enhancement programs that have improved quality of life for Airmen and their families since 1942. Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold established the AFAS to relieve some of the financial stress Air Force families were experiencing during World War II.

Founded by the Air Force Officers' Wives' Clubs in 1964, the Air Force Village provides a dignified, comfortable, affordable retirement community for the widowed spouses of retired Air Force officers.

The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 to provide a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force Retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance.

"What is special about this campaign, what makes it different than all the rest, is that it directly gives back to our people," said Maj. Michelle Barker, AFDW lead AFAF project officer.

AFAF key workers will begin contacting Headquarters AFDW, 11th Wing, 79th Medical Wing, 844th Communications Group, and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling element personnel on March 12. Everyone can donate.

There will be a fun-run March 19 at 3 p.m. on Joint Base Andrews to celebrate the campaign. The run will be held at the running track adjacent to the military personnel flight. Service members are encouraged to participate, and reminded to pay particular attention to the uniform requirements.

For more information on the AFAF's affiliate charities, visit their website at http://www.afassistancefund.org.